It’s not a must-win for Arsenal at the Etihad today.
BUT IT IS A DON’T LOSE.
Two days ago I said I didn’t think they’d lose.
City have a big squad of gifted players but they will miss the suspended Fernandinho, who has been one of Pep Guardiola’s core players.
And they will miss injured Gundogan, the stealth runner who glides into scoring positions so well and so often.
City don’t have the defensive solidity that champions need.
John Stones makes too many mistakes, Otamendi is clumsy, and Claudio Bravo is nowhere near being one of the best keepers in the Premier League.
So I’m expecting a draw.
If both managers set up not to lose, it will finish 1-1.
Am I gonna bet on that? No. I only gamble when I’m sure one team will beat another.
But Arsenal’s teamwork has a solidity and cohesion now and that’s why they can give Citeh a good game on their own patch.
They’re more consistent than City and they know they’re more consistent than City.
When Alexis Sanchez was at Barcelona he was used to support Messi, so that the the magic man could have the ball as much as possible in high areas where he could dribble and play one-twos and shoot.
Talking about Sanchez at the Nou Camp, Pep Guardiola said, “I think the position Arsenal are using him as a striker, in front, it is perfect for him. In Barcelona maybe I didn’t help him too much because he played wide. He can do that but he is better between the lines, closer to the goal.
“In some moments he played there, especially one game against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. He played as a striker and after 40 minutes we went 2-0 up but it was an unlucky game and we lost and Chelsea reached the final.
“He can play there and in several positions — left, right. He is a fighter in spirit, he is a character, he is a winner. He is a class, class player and now he is playing really well.”
Can Manchester City shut down Alexis Sanchez in this home game?
I doubt that very much. If Arsenal win, Sanchez will be the difference.
A win would be huge – and not just arithmetically.